METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

SEPTA app allows riders to report security, safety issues to police

The SEPTA Transit Watch app, developed by ELERTS, enables riders to discreetly report issues to transit police in less than 20 seconds.

August 17, 2017
SEPTA app allows riders to report security, safety issues to police

The SEPTA Transit Watch app, developed by ELERTS, enables riders to discreetly report issues to transit police in less than 20 seconds. Screenshot via SEPTA

1 min to read


The SEPTA Transit Watch app, developed by ELERTS, enables riders to discreetly report issues to transit police in less than 20 seconds. Screenshot via SEPTA

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and ELERTS Corp. announced the launch of a mobile app that enables riders to discreetly report security or safety issues to SEPTA Transit Police in less than 20 seconds.

The SEPTA Transit Watch app is available as a free download on both the Apple and Android stores. The app’s features include:

Ad Loading...
  •  Incident reporting: including photo/video, a description of what is being observed, and the GPS location of the problem.

  • Discretion: riders may choose to send reports anonymously and a rider’s smartphone flash is automatically turned off when taking a photo.

  • Two-way communication: SEPTA Police dispatcher may ask questions or provide instructions to the rider.

  • BOLO alerts: “Be On the Look Out” messages may be sent to riders, regarding a person of interest being sought, such as a missing person or a criminal suspect.

SEPTA Transit Watch can also be used by customers with old-style flip phones by using “Text A Tip,” which allows them to reach SEPTA Transit Police with a simple text message. Additionally, the mobile safety app provides a new way for the deaf and hard of hearing community to communicate with SEPTA Police. The app also includes visually-impaired functionality.


More Security and Safety

Chicago Metra train on tracks
Security and Safetyby StaffFebruary 27, 2026

Chicago's Metra Rail Announces 41 Safety Blitzes in 2026

During a safety blitz, Metra employees will visit one of the railroad’s 243 stations during the morning rush hour, distributing educational materials on train and grade-crossing safety, answering questions, and listening to riders’ safety concerns.

Read More →
A CDTA bus in service.
Security and Safetyby StaffFebruary 26, 2026

New York's CDTA Launches Ambassador Program

Operated in partnership with Tech Valley Security, trained CDTA Ambassadors will be on select routes and will rotate throughout CDTA’s route network. Their presence is intended to provide customers with an approachable, visible resource focused on assistance and engagement.

Read More →
Safety officers at a CATS light rail station
Security and Safetyby StaffFebruary 25, 2026

North Carolina's CATS Makes It Easier for Riders to Report Concerns

Customers have always been able to report concerns through the CATS Customer Service line or the “Report a Problem to CATS” feature in the CATS-Pass mobile app; however, CATS has also integrated a Text-a-Tip line, giving riders multiple, easy-to-use channels to get support.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
2026 Disaster Response Guide Call for Experts is Open.
Safetyby StaffFebruary 9, 2026

Disaster Readiness Starts Before the Storm [Call for Experts]

The 2026 Disaster Response Guide is officially underway, and we’re now opening a Call for Insights and Experts.

Read More →
A Société de transport de Montréal articulating public transit bus.
Security and Safetyby StaffFebruary 4, 2026

Montreal’s STM Expands Text Message Safety Reporting to Bus Network

The agency opens its text message safety reporting system to buses, enabling discreet, non-urgent reports across Montreal’s entire transit network.

Read More →
A graphic with an image of the CATS Blue Line and text reading "FTA Cites 18 Safety Violations at CATS Following Federal Audit."
Security and Safetyby StaffFebruary 3, 2026

Federal Transit Administration Cites 18 Safety Violations at CATS Following Audit

The audit found multiple safety compliance failures at the Charlotte agency, citing elevated assault risks and ordering corrective action within 30 days.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Security and Safetyby StaffJanuary 22, 2026

Researchers Identify Top Risk Factors for Pedestrian-vehicle Crashes at Massachusetts Bus Stops

While their comprehensive analysis of bus stops focused on Massachusetts, the researchers are excited about the generalizability of the findings and application to other locations.

Read More →
CTA railcar in station.
Technologyby StaffJanuary 16, 2026

CTA Innovation Studio Expands Pilot to Reduce Smoke, Odors

The new filters include substantially more activated carbon than traditional HVAC filters, which is especially helpful in providing a better transit riding experience for vulnerable populations, particularly children, seniors, and people with chronic illnesses, according to the CTA.

Read More →
New MCTS Bus design.
Security and Safetyby StaffJanuary 16, 2026

Milwaukee Rolls Out New Measures to Enhance Bus Safety

MCTS officials said the new pilots are part of a broader commitment to improving the rider experience through proactive, visible safety strategies that balance enforcement with customer support.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Transit signal priority and public transit agencies.
New Mobilityby Alex RomanJanuary 16, 2026

How AI is Redefining Transit Operations and Signal Priority

In a recent episode of METROspectives, LYT CEO Timothy Menard discusses how artificial intelligence, cloud connectivity, and real-time data are transforming traffic management, boosting bus reliability, and enabling system-wide transit optimization across cities.

Read More →